Soul Singer Betty Wright: ‘Rick Ross Is A Genius’ [VIDEO]

Though Miami rapper Rick Ross has taken heat for stealing another man’s identity, glorifying date rape and warning foes not to end up like slain teen Trayvon Martin, soul singer Betty Wright has nothing but glowing words for the “U.O.E.NO” rapper.

RELATED:

In an exclusive interview with theGrio.com, Wright, who is featured on “Sanctified,” a single from Ross’ latest album Mastermind also featuring Kanye West, the “Tonight is the Night” singer said that she is not in a position to judge rappers today for their content.

Read more below from theGrio.com:

Ross has become a polarizing figure in music today. People either love him or they hate him. What were your first impressions?

Well, first of all, he is a genius….He’s got an incredible tonality to his voice. He has an incredible memory. He listened to the song that we did on my album called “Bodyguard,” just listened one time and said, “I’m ready. Come on big homie, let’s go.” And he just went in! He went in and he rememberedeverything…. He got a little frightened though because I told him I wanted him to sing on my record. He was like, “Ah, no ma, I don’t sing!” (Laughs) But he’s definitely a big personality. He’s very well mannered.

How has the reception of “Sanctified” been so far for you?

You know, I’m sure it’s controversial and I’m sure people are saying I fell and bumped my head. But see, what they don’t know is God uses simple things to confound the wise. I have people on Twitter saying they hadn’t really thought about how the blood of Jesus washes away sins. They hadn’t thought about the things that Kanye is saying until this record came out. [The song] put them in a spiritual mindset, so that’s a beautiful thing.

You’re a religious woman and a lot your background is in gospel music. How do you feel about the lyrical content of the song — all the talk of groupies and chasing money?

I hear young people on this record saying, “Are you going to help me Lord? Because listen, every time I try to do right, there’s always some woman in the lobby waiting on me, trying to get established. They want to get famous off of just being with me. And I’m trying, but boy I’ve got demons.” [When Kanye] says, “Lord, you sent me a message saying I’m too aggressive. Me? I’m too aggressive?” he’s talking to God. They’re not doing anything that we don’t do in prayer; they’re just doing it in their way. Can I tell a man how to talk to God? That’s a one-on-one, baby.